My family moved to Lincoln County 10 years ago and it was then, as I worked in the barn with the radio on, that I stumbled upon a radio show that immediately peaked my interest.  

Being from Lexington, I had never heard a call-in show like WPBK-FM’s General Store, but it wasn’t just the show itself that interested me – there was something I loved about the voice of the woman answering those calls. 

The General Store became a ritual for me. Every morning, as I cleaned horse stalls or worked in the barn, the radio was on and I was listening as Renee Knies answered call after call and took down items – some of which I had never heard of in my life. 

Renee knew them all though, from tractor parts to chicken breeds, and never failed to amaze me with her breadth of knowledge when it came to the items callers were hoping to buy, sell or trade. 

When I received word of Renee’s departure from WPBK-FM last week, I began to reflect on all of those mornings in the barn and how, day by day, Renee helped me get to know the community – a community that I would later immerse myself in as editor of The Interior Journal. 

I didn’t know it then, but Renee’s love of the community and her conversations with so many on The General Store set me up with a unique insight into Lincoln County residents and for that, I am forever grateful. 

My friendship with our local radio station was a natural one when I started here as editor and my love and admiration for the people who work tirelessly to keep the community informed and entertained has only grown over the last two years. Rarely does my radio dial leave 102.9 FM. 

It was only fitting that my very first front-page feature story as editor was coverage of the annual Chamber Banquet during which Renee was recognized as the Citizen of the Year. 

She doesn’t know it, but I couldn’t wait to finally meet the woman who I had listened to for several years and come to respect, despite the fact that I had never met her. 

In my book, and many others’, Renee Knies is Lincoln County’s citizen of the year every single year and the positive impact she has had on this community – and continues to have – is immeasurable. 

Thank you, Renee, for everything you do for the people in this county, for everything you have done for me and The Interior Journal, and for everything you do in the future – because we all know your heart expands wherever you are and showers all in your presence. 

We, at The Interior Journal, want to wish Renee the best of luck in her new endeavors and we know that wherever she is, she will be shining a light on the lives around her.